2027: Sokoto ADC Faction Reaffirms Zaki Tambuwal’s Candidacy, Declares Dan’iya Unrecognised

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State has taken another turn, as a faction of the party led by Alhaji Umar Faruk has reaffirmed Hon. Zaki Muhammad Tambuwal as its authentic governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Faruk announced the faction’s position on Thursday while addressing journalists at a press conference in Sokoto, citing a recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which nullified the processes that produced the David Mark- led national leadership of the party.

According to him, the court ruling has significant implications for the party’s leadership structure and the candidates who emerged under the affected leadership, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the ADC presidential candidate.

Faruk said the Sokoto faction considered it necessary to clarify its position following the judgment, particularly amid what it described as growing confusion and competing claims over the party’s leadership and candidates in the state.

He maintained that the faction recognised the leadership of Nafiu Bala as the legitimate structure under which its candidates emerged, insisting that all nominations made under the arrangement remained valid and recognised by the chapter.

“Consequently, Hon. Zaki Muhammad Tambuwal remains the duly nominated governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State” Faruk declared.

He further stated that Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya was not recognised by the faction as the party’s governorship candidate under the Nafiu Bala-led leadership.

The faction argued that the legitimacy of party leadership positions and electoral nominations must be established through constitutional and lawful procedures, rather than personal interests, political influence or unilateral pronouncements.

Faruk urged party members and stakeholders to respect the implications of the court judgment, warning against unauthorised announcements and claims capable of misleading members and the electorate.

He reiterated the faction’s commitment to defending Zaki Tambuwal’s political mandate, describing him as its recognised governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.

The faction also congratulated Nafiu Bala over the court judgment, describing the ruling as an important victory for justice, internal democracy and constitutional order within the party.

It commended Bala for seeking judicial intervention to resolve the leadership dispute, noting that the development demonstrated the importance of the judiciary in upholding democratic principles and accountability within political organisations.

Meanwhile, the faction appealed to ADC members, supporters and stakeholders across Sokoto State to remain peaceful, united and committed to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It cautioned against inflammatory remarks, unnecessary confrontations and actions that could further deepen divisions within the party.
The leadership also called on grassroots supporters to intensify mobilisation, expand the party’s structures and engage citizens through constructive political discussions.

It reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive political platform anchored on competence, integrity, accountability and the promotion of policies capable of improving the welfare of the people of Sokoto State.